Wild animals belong in the wild

Why are wild animals still being used in circuses? Ringling Brothers is out of business because the public is learning about the unnatural lives and abusive training of wild animals in circuses.

Thirty-three European countries and two U.S. states have bans on use of wild animals in circuses. In the U.S., 92 cities have bans or partial bans. This includes Iowa City.

Why do Cedar Rapids, VenuWorks and the El Kahir Shrine continue to schedule them here?

These animals live miserable lives of confinement. They are trained using violence, intimidation and fear. Cruelty is not entertainment and it should no longer be tolerated. Please don't support any circus that uses wild animals, and ask the city council, VenuWorks and the Shriners to stop scheduling these events in Cedar Rapids. (If you want to donate to the Shriner hospitals, it is best to send the money directly to the hospital. Only a tiny percentage of the money from circus ticket sales goes to the hospitals.)

Lynn Gallagher

Solon